Summer road trip season is here, and if you’ve got kids in the back seat, you know it’s not all sunshine and sing-alongs. In this episode of ParentingU, Dr. Kyle Pontiff, sports medicine physician with Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health, shares his top tips to help families hit the road safely. 

From seat belts and snack breaks to sun protection and screen time sanity, Dr. Pontiff covers what you really need to think about before you pile into the car. He’s got practical advice (like how often to take movement breaks) and fun ideas (hello, car karaoke) to keep the whole crew healthier and happier mile after mile. 

Key Moments: 

• Take Regular Breaks to Stretch – 3:00  
• Often-overlooked Tip: Sun Protection in the Car – 8:49
• Avoid Dehydration – 9:52
• Snack Strategies and Road Trip MVPs – 12:49
• Always Buckle Up – 15:17
• Car Seat Tips – 15:33
• Why Kids Shouldn’t Prop Feet on Front Seat – 17:21
• Make Memories with Maps and Sing-alongs – 19:12
• Screen Time and the Quiet Game – 19:51  

Read more from Dr. Pontiff on our blog: https://health.fmolhs.org/body/childrens-health/the-ultimate-summer-road-trip/  

Want a quick hit of snack inspiration? Download Dr. Pontiff’s Road Trip Snack Sheet for healthy, car-friendly ideas: https://health.fmolhs.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ParentingU_Season5E2_KylePontiffMD_RoadTripTips.pdf 

Learn more about Dr. Pontiff: https://doctors.ololrmc.com/provider/Kyle+Jude+Pontiff/1882694